Police, community and calendar briefs for April 4, 2013

Published: Thursday, April 4, 2013 at 6:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at 7:20 p.m.

POLICE BEAT

Publix closes due to gas leak

A supermarket was temporarily closed Wednesday as county fire officials and gas company employees worked to determine the cause of a gas leak.

Jessica Greene, spokeswoman for Marion County Fire Rescue, said her agency was dispatched to Publix, 7578 SE Maricamp Road, shortly before noon. A customer told a manager about smelling gas in the building, and the manager called 911 and evacuated.

The leak was tracked to the bakery area and workers from TECO gas company made repairs.

Community center reports thefts

A former community center employee accused of stealing money and items from the venue was arrested Tuesday and charged with organized fraud.

According to Miller’s report, money taken from the Fort McCoy Community Center at 1405 E. County Road 316 was used by Huffman to purchase alcohol and “take out others at the community center.”

Huffman was employed there as a bartender.

An official at the center told the deputy that money from the juke box, cash from a bank bag and several items, such as a propane cylinder, were missing.

Huffman admitted selling the center’s popcorn maker to a Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Astor for $25.

Deputies charge man with robbery

Members of the Sheriff’s Office Tactical Investigations Unit arrested a 23-year-old man Tuesday and charged him with two counts of robbery with a weapon.

Early Tuesday, deputies received a call about a man wrapping a chain around the neck of another man and holding him on the ground while a second man hit the victim in the head with a metal pipe while a third man searched his pockets.

The incident was reported at 1:45 a.m. The injured man was treated at the scene by paramedics.

The specialized unit got a tip that Michael Brett “Mike” McGirth Jr. was one of the men involved in the incident and they also had already identified him as a suspect. He was interviewed at the Sheriff’s Office and arrested.

The investigation is continuing, officials said.

Anyone with information about the other two suspects can call the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 732-9111 or Crime Stoppers at 368-STOP, or visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com.

Police say meth found at residence

A sheriff’s deputy, with assistance from an official with the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team, recovered 80.5 grams of methamphetamine from an Ocklawaha residence Tuesday.

The homeowner told Deputy Billy Burleson that when she arrived at her home in the 18000 block of Southeast 96th Place, she found a front window shattered. Inside, she found a plastic bottle with a hose coming from the lid and a hard material on the bottom, and four Ziploc bags containing a clear liquid, and called 911.

The deputy called the drug unit and an agent arrived and was given permission to search the home. The search revealed several other bottles officials said were used to cook meth. The investigation is ongoing, officials said Wednesday.

3 criminal cases get court dates

Court dates have been set in three significant criminal cases in Ocala.

Jamal “Diddy” Jefferson will have a hearing in July. His lawyer asked for more time to gather information. Jefferson, 39, was indicted in November in connection with the shooting death of Jeffery Todd Aaron, 41, of Ocala, whose body was found in Orlando in June. Authorities say the shooting occurred during a cocaine deal.

Ryan Blake McCullough, 22, will have a hearing in August. He is accused of being the so-called “Ninja robber” — a man who dressed in all black and robbed five local businesses between March 25 and May 15 last year.

In the meantime, the murder case against Ashley Brooke LeVelle will be back in court in August, with a possible trial date in September. LeVelle, 22, is charged with first-degree murder in the December 2011 shooting death of LaVar Watson, an Iraq War veteran. The two had met on an online dating site and had scheduled a date that night, officials said.

Stevin Roopnarine, 23, is also charged with first-degree murder in that case. Watson was robbed after the shooting, officials say. Authorities allege Roopnarine fired three shots at Watson, who was sitting in the front passenger seat, hitting him in the back of the head and shoulder. He has denied the accusation, saying LeVelle fired the shots and planned the entire incident. His trial is slated for mid-December.

COMMUNITY

Campfires banned for now in Forest

The Forest Service has issued a temporary ban on campfires in the Ocala National Forest because of wildfire concerns during drought conditions.

Stove fires are allowed in devices commercially designed for cooking, such as propane cook stoves and above-the-ground pedestal grills, according a USDA Forest Service news release.

Fires placed directly on the ground, even for cooking purposes, are considered campfires and are prohibited.

Extreme drought conditions “mean fires start quickly, spread furiously, and burn intensely,” the news release states. Violations are punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 for an individual and $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.

The ban is in effect until further notice.

Ocala, CF to honor NJCAA champions

Ocala and the College of Central Florida will celebrate CF’s NJCAA national champion men’s basketball team with an event on the downtown square April 10. It starts at 5:30 p.m. and is open to the public.

The event will include a ceremony honoring the team and coaches, comments by CF and community leaders, and performances by the Patriot Dancers.

Changes to gas tax allocations mulled

The five cities in Marion County will meet today to discuss the way gas taxes are divided up and how Marion County has proposed the possibility of cutting the amount each city receives.

At previous meetings, the cities have expressed concern that any cuts could result in reductions in staff and/or services offered.

The Ocala City Council, at its meeting Tuesday night, discussed the possibility the cities may be forced to raise taxes to make up for lost revenues should the county reduce the allocations, which have remained at the same percentage rates for 30 years.

The meeting, which involves officials from Ocala, Belleview, Dunnellon, McIntosh and Reddick, begins at 1 p.m. at the Ocala-Marion County Chamber Economic Partnership, 319 SE Third St., Ocala.

Dog training classes offered

The Professional Dog Training School will hold seven-week training courses beginning April 13 at 4260 SE 53rd Ave., Ocala, with novice and sub-novice categories.

The cost is $80 per course. For more information, call 732-8655 or email pdtdogs@aol.com.

America’s Boating Course offered

The Harris Chain Sail and Power Squadron is offering the America’s Boating Course from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 13 at the Captiva Recreation Center, 3095 Charlotte Court, The Villages.

The cost is $55 for the first family member and $25 for each additional family member. The minimum age is 12.

Attendees who pass the final exam will receive the FWC Boating Safety Education ID card, which is required for all boaters born after 1988.

For more information, call 615-2050 or visit www.harrischain.org.

Chef to cook at women’s luncheon

The Ocala Christian Women’s Connection will host a “Dishin’ Out Spring Luncheon” from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 23 at the Ocala Hilton, 3600 SW College Road, Ocala.

Hilton Chef Randall will show how to prepare a special spring dish. The speaker will be Ruth Warnick.

The cost is $18. Reservations are needed by April 19. Childcare is available.

For more information, call 236-1982.

Run to benefit M.O.M.S Park

Memories of Missing Smiles Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to remembering the lives and smiles of children who have died, is hosting a 5K run/walk and kids fun run event beginning at 7:30 a.m. May 12 at Jervey Gantt Park, 2200 SE 36th Ave., Ocala, where the M.O.M.S. Park is located.

Registration will begin at 6:30 a.m. The cost is $20 in advance or $25 at the event. There is no charge for children 7 and younger for the fun run. Entrants can register online at www.active.com or by mail to M.O.M.S, P.O. Box 684, Ocala, FL 34478.

For more information, call 690-1851 or 369-6667, or visit www.memoriesofmissingsmiles.org.

<p>POLICE BEAT</p><p><b>Publix closes due to gas leak</b></p><p>A supermarket was temporarily closed Wednesday as county fire officials and gas company employees worked to determine the cause of a gas leak.</p><p>Jessica Greene, spokeswoman for Marion County Fire Rescue, said her agency was dispatched to Publix, 7578 SE Maricamp Road, shortly before noon. A customer told a manager about smelling gas in the building, and the manager called 911 and evacuated.</p><p>The leak was tracked to the bakery area and workers from TECO gas company made repairs.</p><p><b>Community center reports thefts</b></p><p>A former community center employee accused of stealing money and items from the venue was arrested Tuesday and charged with organized fraud.</p><p>Linda M. Huffman, 49, was arrested at her Fort McCoy residence by Deputy Daniel Miller.</p><p>According to Miller's report, money taken from the Fort McCoy Community Center at 1405 E. County Road 316 was used by Huffman to purchase alcohol and “take out others at the community center.”</p><p>Huffman was employed there as a bartender.</p><p>An official at the center told the deputy that money from the juke box, cash from a bank bag and several items, such as a propane cylinder, were missing.</p><p>Huffman admitted selling the center's popcorn maker to a Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Astor for $25.</p><p><b>Deputies charge man with robbery</b></p><p>Members of the Sheriff's Office Tactical Investigations Unit arrested a 23-year-old man Tuesday and charged him with two counts of robbery with a weapon.</p><p>Early Tuesday, deputies received a call about a man wrapping a chain around the neck of another man and holding him on the ground while a second man hit the victim in the head with a metal pipe while a third man searched his pockets.</p><p>The incident was reported at 1:45 a.m. The injured man was treated at the scene by paramedics.</p><p>The specialized unit got a tip that Michael Brett “Mike” McGirth Jr. was one of the men involved in the incident and they also had already identified him as a suspect. He was interviewed at the Sheriff's Office and arrested.</p><p>The investigation is continuing, officials said.</p><p>Anyone with information about the other two suspects can call the Marion County Sheriff's Office at 732-9111 or Crime Stoppers at 368-STOP, or visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com.</p><p><b>Police say meth found at residence</b></p><p>A sheriff's deputy, with assistance from an official with the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team, recovered 80.5 grams of methamphetamine from an Ocklawaha residence Tuesday.</p><p>The homeowner told Deputy Billy Burleson that when she arrived at her home in the 18000 block of Southeast 96th Place, she found a front window shattered. Inside, she found a plastic bottle with a hose coming from the lid and a hard material on the bottom, and four Ziploc bags containing a clear liquid, and called 911.</p><p>The deputy called the drug unit and an agent arrived and was given permission to search the home. The search revealed several other bottles officials said were used to cook meth. The investigation is ongoing, officials said Wednesday.</p><p><b>3 criminal cases get court dates</b></p><p>Court dates have been set in three significant criminal cases in Ocala.</p><p>Jamal “Diddy” Jefferson will have a hearing in July. His lawyer asked for more time to gather information. Jefferson, 39, was indicted in November in connection with the shooting death of Jeffery Todd Aaron, 41, of Ocala, whose body was found in Orlando in June. Authorities say the shooting occurred during a cocaine deal.</p><p>Ryan Blake McCullough, 22, will have a hearing in August. He is accused of being the so-called “Ninja robber” — a man who dressed in all black and robbed five local businesses between March 25 and May 15 last year.</p><p>In the meantime, the murder case against Ashley Brooke LeVelle will be back in court in August, with a possible trial date in September. LeVelle, 22, is charged with first-degree murder in the December 2011 shooting death of LaVar Watson, an Iraq War veteran. The two had met on an online dating site and had scheduled a date that night, officials said.</p><p>Stevin Roopnarine, 23, is also charged with first-degree murder in that case. Watson was robbed after the shooting, officials say. Authorities allege Roopnarine fired three shots at Watson, who was sitting in the front passenger seat, hitting him in the back of the head and shoulder. He has denied the accusation, saying LeVelle fired the shots and planned the entire incident. His trial is slated for mid-December.</p><p> </p><p>COMMUNITY</p><p> </p><p><b>Campfires banned for now in Forest</b></p><p>The Forest Service has issued a temporary ban on campfires in the Ocala National Forest because of wildfire concerns during drought conditions.</p><p>Stove fires are allowed in devices commercially designed for cooking, such as propane cook stoves and above-the-ground pedestal grills, according a USDA Forest Service news release.</p><p>Fires placed directly on the ground, even for cooking purposes, are considered campfires and are prohibited.</p><p>Extreme drought conditions “mean fires start quickly, spread furiously, and burn intensely,” the news release states. Violations are punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 for an individual and $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.</p><p>The ban is in effect until further notice.</p><p><b>Ocala, CF to honor NJCAA champions</b></p><p>Ocala and the College of Central Florida will celebrate CF's NJCAA national champion men's basketball team with an event on the downtown square April 10. It starts at 5:30 p.m. and is open to the public.</p><p>The event will include a ceremony honoring the team and coaches, comments by CF and community leaders, and performances by the Patriot Dancers.</p><p><b>Changes to gas tax allocations mulled</b></p><p>The five cities in Marion County will meet today to discuss the way gas taxes are divided up and how Marion County has proposed the possibility of cutting the amount each city receives.</p><p>At previous meetings, the cities have expressed concern that any cuts could result in reductions in staff and/or services offered.</p><p>The Ocala City Council, at its meeting Tuesday night, discussed the possibility the cities may be forced to raise taxes to make up for lost revenues should the county reduce the allocations, which have remained at the same percentage rates for 30 years.</p><p>The meeting, which involves officials from Ocala, Belleview, Dunnellon, McIntosh and Reddick, begins at 1 p.m. at the Ocala-Marion County Chamber Economic Partnership, 319 SE Third St., Ocala.</p><p><b>Dog training classes offered</b></p><p>The Professional Dog Training School will hold seven-week training courses beginning April 13 at 4260 SE 53rd Ave., Ocala, with novice and sub-novice categories.</p><p>The cost is $80 per course. For more information, call 732-8655 or email pdtdogs@aol.com.</p><p><b>America's Boating Course offered</b></p><p>The Harris Chain Sail and Power Squadron is offering the America's Boating Course from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 13 at the Captiva Recreation Center, 3095 Charlotte Court, The Villages.</p><p>The cost is $55 for the first family member and $25 for each additional family member. The minimum age is 12.</p><p>Attendees who pass the final exam will receive the FWC Boating Safety Education ID card, which is required for all boaters born after 1988.</p><p>For more information, call 615-2050 or visit www.harrischain.org.</p><p><b>Chef to cook at women's luncheon</b></p><p>The Ocala Christian Women's Connection will host a “Dishin' Out Spring Luncheon” from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 23 at the Ocala Hilton, 3600 SW College Road, Ocala.</p><p>Hilton Chef Randall will show how to prepare a special spring dish. The speaker will be Ruth Warnick.</p><p>The cost is $18. Reservations are needed by April 19. Childcare is available.</p><p>For more information, call 236-1982.</p><p><b>Run to benefit M.O.M.S Park</b></p><p>Memories of Missing Smiles Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to remembering the lives and smiles of children who have died, is hosting a 5K run/walk and kids fun run event beginning at 7:30 a.m. May 12 at Jervey Gantt Park, 2200 SE 36th Ave., Ocala, where the M.O.M.S. Park is located.</p><p>Registration will begin at 6:30 a.m. The cost is $20 in advance or $25 at the event. There is no charge for children 7 and younger for the fun run. Entrants can register online at www.active.com or by mail to M.O.M.S, P.O. Box 684, Ocala, FL 34478.</p><p>For more information, call 690-1851 or 369-6667, or visit www.memoriesofmissingsmiles.org.</p><p>CALENDAR</p><p>TODAY</p><p><b>“SEX PLEASE WE'RE SIXTY”:</b> Comedy runs through April 12 Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. Shows 2 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 8 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday. (236-2274 or ocalacivictheatre.com)</p><p> </p><p><b>FESTIVAL AND CARNIVAL:</b> Carnival 5 to 11 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, 325 Marion Oaks Lane. Spring Fling 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. (307-7353)</p><p> </p><p><b>CIRQUE ITALIA:</b> Aquatic performances at 7 p.m. Thursday though Saturday, 3 p.m. Saturday and 2 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Trinity Catholic High School, 2600 SW 42nd St., Ocala. $10-$35. (www.cirqueitalia.com)</p><p> </p><p><b>T.O.P.S.:</b> Taking Off Pounds Sensibly: 9 a.m., Spring Lake Village, 2450 NE 146th Terrace, Silver Springs (625-3358); 10 a.m., Ocklawaha United Methodist Church, 13335 SE 123rd St., Ocklawaha (347-2841); 10 a.m., Grace Baptist Church, 10835 SE 70th Ave., Belleview (245-9593); 7 p.m., Dunnellon Women's Club, 11756 Cedar St., Dunnellon (489-1960) and 7 p.m. Belleview Christian Church, 7149 SE County Road 25A, Belleview. (245-2603)</p><p> </p><p><b>OCALA CHESS CLUB:</b> 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Marion County Public Library, 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd. (812-4221)</p><p> </p><p><b>ASK ARNOLD:</b> Computer help, noon to 2 p.m. Thursday, Freedom Public Library, 5870 SW 95th St., Ocala. (438-2580)</p><p> </p><p><b>OCALA LIONS CLUB:</b> Noon Thursday, Elks Lodge, 702 NE 25th Ave., Ocala. (ahall014@embarqmail.com)</p><p> </p><p><b>KIWANIS:</b> Silver Springs Shores Kiwanis Club, noon Thursday, Silver Springs Shores Presbyterian Church, 674 Silver Road, Ocala. (687-1119 or silverspringsshoreskiwanis.org)</p><p> </p><p><b>BINGO:</b> 6 p.m. Thursday, American Legion Post 58, 10730 US 41, Dunnellon. (489-4453)</p><p> </p><p><b>ACOUSTIC JAM:</b> Musicians of all levels welcome, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Forest Community Center, 777 S. County Road 314A, Ocklawaha. (438-2840)</p><p> </p><p><b>QUILTING:</b> Pine Needles quilt club, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Forest Community Center, 777 S. County Road 314A, Ocklawaha. (438-2840)</p><p> </p><p><b>OPEN JAM:</b> Musicians and singers welcome, 7 p.m. Thursday, Orange Blossom Opry, 13939 SE County Road 25, Weirsdale. (821-1201)</p><p> </p><p><b>OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS:</b> 6 p.m., Thursday, St. Mark's United Methodist Church, 1839 NE Eighth Ave. Road, Room 4, Ocala. (425-2339)</p><p> </p><p><b>RAPE SUPPORT GROUP:</b> 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Ocala Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Center. Call for location. (622-8495 or 622-5919).</p><p> </p><p><b>COMPUTER CLASS:</b> Basics, 2 p.m. Thursday, Freedom Public Library, 5870 SW 95 St., Ocala. (438-2580)</p><p> </p><p>FRIDAY</p><p><b>PARENTS' NIGHT OUT:</b> Discovery Center program for ages 6 to 12, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, 701 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala. $15 per child. Registration required. (401-3900 or mydiscoverycenter.org)</p><p> </p><p><b>BOOK DISCUSSION:</b> “Forgotten Country,” 6 p.m. Friday, Hampton Center, 1501 W. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. (854-2322 ext. 1680)</p><p> </p><p><b>POETRY READING:</b> Jennifer Key, 12:30 p.m. Friday, CF Ocala Campus, 3001 SW College Road, Building 8, Room 110, Ocala. (854-2322, ext. 1295 or cooper@cf.edu)</p><p> </p><p><b>EXHIBIT OPENING:</b> Reception for The Ocala Art Group Spring Exhibit “New Beginnings,” 6 p.m. Friday, Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St., Ocala. Exhibit runs through April 30 (369-1500)</p><p> </p><p><b>VENDOR FAIR:</b> Professional Connections Vendor Fair for agencies that provide services in Marion County, 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, Marion County Jail Administration Building, 692 NW 30th Ave., Ocala. (whocaresocala@gmail.com)</p><p> </p><p><b>FISH FRY:</b> Includes open house, 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, St. George Anglican Church 5646 SE 28th St., Ocala. $7. (624-0112)</p><p> </p><p><b>H2O ART:</b> Juried art show based on the elements of water, earth, air and fire, 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Hilton Ocala, 3600 SW 36 Ave., Ocala. (laurenmanera54@gmail.com)</p><p> </p><p><b>MOVIE:</b> For adults and teens, 1 p.m. Friday, Dunnellon Public Library, 20351 Robinson Road, Dunnellon. (438-2520)</p><p> </p><p><b>COMPUTER CLASS:</b> 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dunnellon Public Library, 20351 Robinson Road, Dunnellon. (438-2520)</p><p> </p><p><b>PET CARE TIPS:</b> For seniors, 2 p.m. Friday, Marion Woods, 1661 SE 31 St., Ocala. (671-1700 or www.marion-woods.net)</p><p> </p><p>FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY</p><p><b>DRAMA:</b> “Souvenir: A Fantasia on the life of Florence Foster Jenkins,” 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday, Insomniac Theater, 1 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. $12. (897-0477 or www.insomniactheatre.com)</p><p> </p><p>To submit information for this list, send an e-mail to calendar@starbanner.com or visit www.ocala.com, scroll down and click on EVENTS CALENDAR on the right.</p>